[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he latest Düsseldorf Boat Show was very important for the British shipyard, which presented an eight boat line-up. The collection of yachts displayed included the World Premiere of the Manhattan 68 and two Show debuts, the Hawk 38 and the Predator 60 EVO.
Manhattan 68 – World Premiere
Sunseeker has unveiled its latest flybridge model, the stunning, all-new Manhattan 68. This model made its World Premiere at boot Düsseldorf as an exciting new addition to Sunseeker’s stylish, long distance cruising Manhattan range, the exceptional family of award-winning models. With the feel of a much larger yacht, it has been designed to offer exceptional levels of comfort and luxury with incredible detailing, while delivering a unique contemporary space that maximises on entertainment options. “ The Manhattan 68 is an exceptional model and underlines Sunseeker’s continued focus of listening to our client’s requests and finding real-world solutions matched with exciting ‘first to market’ features. The level of detailing on this new model is magnificent and we welcome guests to come and see her for themselves at the show”, commented Sean Robertson, Sales Director at Sunseeker International.
The yacht enjoys an expansive cockpit, main saloon area with sumptuous lounge seating and a fully-equipped aft galley. The innovative and meticulous design that has gone into the layout of the main deck makes this the perfect boat for welcoming guests, with a strong focus on ambient lighting and interior detailing. From the generous saloon and upper aft galley, through to elevated companion seating at the helm, this exceptional layout allows the owner and guests to move effortlessly between spaces.
The interiors boast exquisite attention to detail with a new palate of upholstery that provides a cool, crisp and contemporary look, unmistakably a Manhattan. New stainless steel detailing contrasts perfectly with light fabrics, helping to create a floating, and seemingly unsupported backrest to the seating throughout this space. The saloon is drenched by light thanks to the panoramic glazing whilst the lighting design has been exceptionally well considered throughout and includes concealed lighting within ceiling panels and furniture. Owners can select from four lighting and entertainment scenes such as Movie, Party or Night modes; with a one-touch activation from a central ‘Videoworks’ control app. The different scenes create a distinct ambience depending on the time of day and mood. The combination of all these elements give the yacht a truly restful setting suitable for family relaxation yet easily transformable for impressive entertaining.
To port in the saloon, the Manhattan 68 benefits from private access to the full-beam master stateroom, a real standout feature with full height headroom and optional chaise, sofa, storage or breakfast table. There is also beautiful use of wood in this area utilising a sublime blend of finishes such as Wenge Satin, Silver Oak, Smoked Eucalyptus and Walnut. In the standard configuration with galley positioned on the main deck, there is ample space four very luxurious cabins below including two large twin cabins and a forward VIP suite.
The flybridge has been designed with an integrated hard-top option in mind and features large forward sunbathing areas and a second helm. It also offers extensive seating with open space for freestanding furniture customised to the owner’s choice. The wet bar has been designed for multiple uses and now includes built-in storage, BBQ and refrigeration options to create the focus for yet another social and entertaining space.
This sociable layout continues through to the wide bathing platform which features Sunseeker’s innovative ‘Beach Club’ to bring guests closer to the water. The Beach Club’s hydraulic door opens to reveal an overhead rain-shower, lights and speakers, and provides storage for fenders, toys, scuba and sports equipment. The area is equipped with an optional fold-away bench seat, and Seabob storage lockers adjacent to the water, complete with built-in charging points. The substantial bathing platform is suitable for launching a Williams Sportjet 395.
Available with a range of engines including the Twin Volvo Penta IPS 1350 and Twin MAN V8 1000 or 1200, the Manhattan 68 is perfect for extended cruising with a 300-mile nautical range. Utilising space, innovation and design, the Manhattan 68 is the ideal long-range cruiser with unparalleled comfort.
Predator 60 EVO –Show Debut
Sporty and sleek, the Predator 60 EVO is the first model of Sunseeker’s major new product development plan with innovative stand out features and a truly sophisticated interior design. Striking first images of this model were displayed during the Boat Show. The superstructure exemplifies the very latest in Sunseeker’s cutting-edge design which includes a brand new powered carbon fibre hardtop with double curved glazed panels, flooding the interior with natural light. The hull has an all-new glazing design with polished stainless-steel detailing. Customers can even opt from a choice of bespoke paint finishes, enabling them to create a Sunseeker that will be truly unique. Central to its appeal, the cleverly engineered cockpit door mechanism allows it to open conventionally but also lower itself beneath the deck of the yacht, connecting the outdoor and indoor living spaces seamlessly. Embracing a bold design direction, the model features all-new interior styling, furnishings, textures and materials, delivering a sophisticated, modern yet sporty style to surprise any owner.
The Predator 60 EVO’s handling underway is dramatically enhanced thanks to its unique Hydro Performance pack, which has three key elements:
• the new flow aligned rudders have a profile perfectly suited with the propeller flow angles along their entire span; this minimises cavitation and vibration to reduce resistance and increase performance.
• The fly-by-wire steering system with customised steering attributes set-up by the factory, delivers a dynamic high performance ‘direct’ feel.
• Finally, an automatic interceptor trim system controls the trim and list of the boat to provide optimum comfort and performance.
The beautifully proportioned and ergonomically designed helm console is part of a wider focus on technology that Sunseeker will be rolling out across all its new models. The latest Simrad NSO evo3 touch screen display enhances the customer experience with a simplified and intuitive user interface, allowing integrated control of all essential systems. Featuring six berths in three cabins, below deck replicates the sophisticated furnishings and flawless design on the main deck. The full-beam master stateroom, which is located amidship with ensuite, has been finished in a contemporary style with a key focus on textures, fabrics and light. In addition, a fully appointed single berth crew cabin, together with a tender garage as standard allows a Williams Sportjet 345 to be carried and launched via the hydraulic bathing platform.
The Predator 60 EVO certainly doesn’t sacrifice performance for style. Available with a range of engine and drive systems, including the all new Volvo Penta D13-1000 engines on shafts capable of speeds of up to 34 knots or the Volvo IPS D11-950 engines, it cuts an impressive figure on the open water matched to exemplary seakeeping and agility.
Hawk 38 –Show Debut
After years of speculation, 24 months of development, 12 weeks in build and numerous hours of sea trials, Sunseeker unveiled its brand-new high-performance day boat – the Hawk 38 in spring 2019. The first ten Hawk 38s are part of a very special limited-edition series, in memory of Sunseeker’s founder, Robert Braithwaite CBE DL, who sadly passed away in March this year. Each of the ten boats will carry a polished stainless-steel plaque on the helm dashboard numbered from RB001 to RB010.
Returning to its performance roots and drawing on the company’s racing heritage, Sunseeker’s Hawk 38 model is delivering an incredible top speed of up to 70mph (62kts) with a safe, comfortable but dynamic ride matched to exceptional turn-in and grip.
